The PhD in Management trains students as researchers, allowing them to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge within the subject of Business. The programme is underpinned by a student-dependent selection of foundational training courses which students will use to develop an all-round knowledge of their discipline, enhance their research abilities and gain a broad range of transferable skills.
Working under the guidance of supervisors students will carry out independent research resulting in an original contribution to knowledge of their field. The Business School is comprised of six main subject groups where students can base their research:
1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
2. Organisational Studies
3. Marketing
4. Strategy
5. Management Science and Business Economics
6. Accounting and Finance (within the Management PhD programme)
Those joining the programme also have the opportunity for collaborative research and supervision from experts in more than one group, or collaboration from multiple Schools within or outside the University of Edinburgh.
The prescribed period of study for the part-time PhD programme 72 months, with students allowed an additional 12 months to write-up their final thesis. To be awarded a PhD students will need to defend their submitted thesis in an oral examination called a viva (assessed according to the University's regulations).
Students who obtain an unconditional offer on the programme will be required to undertake a minimum of 80 credits of taught courses over the first 2 years of study (i.e. 40 credits each year), although your Supervisory team may approve a selection of up to 120 credits (i.e. 60 credits each year).
It may exceptionally be possible to be excused from one or more of your courses if you have already passed (or taught) a similar course within the last five years but this must be approved by the supervisory team and Programme Director. All course selections must be approved by the students' supervisory team.
PLEASE NOTE: Students whose proposed topic is primarily within the Management Science and Business Economics subject area are only expected a minimum of 60 credits of taught courses over the first two years of study, although your Supervisory team may approve a selection of up to 120 credits.
Before starting your studies you should submit your course selection to Research Support Office (office.pgr@business-school.ed.ac.uk). Please consult your Supervisor regarding all course choices, as they will be required to approve your selection. The Research Support Office will be in touch with all incoming students on how to select and submit their course selection.
The anticipated milestones for doctoral students are as follows:
Stage 1: he first two years of a part-time PhD is normally spent preparing for your main research work. You will follow a programme of training (i.e. foundation courses), reading and reflecting on relevant literature with the support of your supervisor.
Stage 2: Year three and four is spent undertaking the main body of the research, usually with empirical data collection and analysis, or selection and analysis of defined primary theoretical sources.
Stage 3: Finally, years five to seven are spent completing the analysis, writing and submitting the thesis and then undertaking the oral examination (Viva).
In order to progress annually to the next year of study student are required to undertake an annual review, which consists of a presentation and written report. The written report should demonstrate the progress they have achieved since the previous review, putting this into context within their overall study plan and outcome the research programme for the upcoming year (or until submission) if sooner. Presentations are normally 15-30 minutes in length, followed by a question and answer session.
Students in their first year of study have their progression decision deferred to the following year.
Students in their second year will have their taught course results taken into consideration. It is expected that in order to progress, students should achieve a minimum mark of 50% in each course, and pass at least 80 credits. The only exception to the 80 credit rule is for students within the MSBE group who are only expected to complete a minimum of 60 credits of taught postgraduate courses.
Progression decisions for all doctoral students moving into the next year of study are confirmed by the Research Degrees Committee, or where appropriate, the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Exams Committee.
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